"If Mr. Pope wants the Cosmographia, it's for some reason he doesn't want to tell us about. And, that being so, I wouldn't be in too big a hurry to sell, if the book were mine. See?"
"Do you mean there's something frightfully valuable about the book, which we don't know?"
"Possibly."
"How exciting! It's just like a story in the Boys' Friend Library. What am I to say to him, uncle?"
"Well, in your place I wouldn't be dramatic or anything. I'd just say you've considered the matter, and you've taken a fancy to the book and have decided not to sell. You thank him for his offer, of course."
"Yes—er, won't you say it for me, uncle?"
"I think it would look better if you did it yourself."
"Yes, perhaps it would. Will he be very cross?"
"Possibly," said Lord Peter, "but, if he is, he won't let on. Ready?"
The consulting committee accordingly returned to the library. Mr. Pope had prudently retired from the hearthrug and was examining a distant bookcase.